Jackson County Youth Fair auction sets record

The 62nd annual Jackson County Youth Fair auction set another record on Oct. 8.

Auction sales totaled $605,304, an increase of $64,844 from 2010's total of $540,460.

Market animals made up $525,484 of the total; commercial heifers drew $77,270, and four of Dayton Scoggins' Artistry in Wood chainsaw sculptures were auctioned off for an additional $2,550.

"I'm kind of speechless myself. I really don't know how the money is coming in, but we're more than happy it did," said Dee Darilek, president of the fair board. "We have a more than a supportive community."

Darilek credits the group buyers as a reason why auction sales soared this year.

"We had a lot of groups of buyers this year. Every little bit adds up," Darilek said. A total of 414 buyers contributed money to the livestock auction.